McKinley school coin drive will bring Christmas to six families in need

REDLANDS -- Six McKinley Elementary School families will have a holiday season to remember the spirit of giving, after the school's student population and staff rallied to collect funds to help families in need.

More than $700 was raised by pupils, parents, faculty and staff in the form of coins, cash and gift cards.

The drive - which began Nov. 26 and ended Dec. 7 - went to purchase items such as toiletries and food to create holiday baskets for five families.

Word spread around the community and local businesses, such as McDonalds and Walmart, offered contributions.

Though the drive ended, a local business contacted the school after the fact and offered to sponsor an additional family.

Sandy Stauffer, organizer of the drive and vice president of the school's PTA said she was overwhelmed with the amount of support the effort received.

"One of our teachers said a few of her kids actually brought in their piggy banks into our coin collection bin, and we got a few $20 bills that were stuffed in our bins as well. And we had a few community members who came in just from off the streets and brought us boxes and envelopes and gift bags full of coins and stuff," she said. "It was really great to see."

The drive was spearheaded by the school's PTA and was originally planned to benefit the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

However, when organizers learned of McKinley families in need, they went in a different direction.

The gift recipients were identified by the school's principal, Marc Aponte, and his staff.

"It made me feel so proud of all (involved), not just the kids but the community in general," said Aponte. "The whole idea of `paying it forward' and what that means, really resonated with the spirit of the coin drive.

"It makes me so proud that all the efforts paid off."

Stauffer collected donations every two days or so, with many students referring to her as "The Penny Lady."

She contacted several businesses herself and sent them letters informing them of the school's mission.

Several contacted her immediately to donate, she said.

Proceeds raised enabled Stauffer to stuff 18-gallon plastic tubs with at least a six-pack of water, two blankets, other food items and goodies.

Each child - about 14 - received a gift bag full of knick-knacks suitable for their age.

Parents received some goodies of their own, including gift cards for a night out on the town and food purchases from Stater Bros. and Gerrards Market.

Gift certificates to several food establishments were also give to provide families a hot meal every so often, said Stauffer.

Payless also donated $25 gift cards to families so each child could purchase a new pair of shoes.

McKinley has been known around town for its philanthropy.

Last year, the school collected coins for the Believe Walk, raising hundreds for the annual event focused on fighting cancer.

They have plans to continue holding similar drives throughout the year, including one that will focus on collecting school supplies for the upcoming school year.

"I think what makes it work is the support from the parents that we have here, and of course our PTA who does a wonderful job rallying the troops," Aponte said. "In a situation like this, it speaks volumes to what the community has - especially at this time of year."